The Patriots are getting a closer look at two QB prospects ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Patriots will have UNC QB Drake Maye visit on Friday, according to a source from the Herald. LSU’s Jayden Daniels will visit the Patriots on Monday, according to his agent, Ron Butler.
Maye and Daniels are considered two of the top three QB prospects in the draft, behind USC’s Caleb Williams, who is expected to be chosen first by the Bears. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently said he thinks the Commanders will pick Daniels, leaving Maye for the Patriots, who have the third pick.
Both Maye and Daniels attracted large groups of Patriots staff to their pro days.
Michigan’s JJ McCarthy has also joined the mix. NFL Media reported last week that some executives believe McCarthy could be chosen by the Commanders.
The Patriots’ current quarterbacks are Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke, following the trade of Mac Jones to the Jaguars.
Maye, 21, had a breakthrough in 2022 with 4,321 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 66.2% of his passes and rushing for seven more scores. He had a slight drop in 2023 with 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 63.3% completion percentage, and nine rushing scores. He has ideal size for the position at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds.
Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, transferred from Arizona State after his 2021 season. His breakout year was last season when he completed 72.2% of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also rushed for 10 touchdowns. He measured in at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds at his pro day.
McCarthy, 21, led Michigan to a national championship win over Washington last season. He had a 27-1 record as a starter in two years at Michigan and completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions last season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. He also rushed for three touchdowns. Harbaugh, now the head coach of the Chargers, has expressed his belief that McCarthy is the top QB in the draft.
Sports Illustrated first reported Maye’s visit.